USDA Update

by Rod Johnson

May 30, 2003

June 2 is the deadline for all producers to sign 2003 DCP (Direct & Counter-Cyclical Program) contracts. The only exception is farms for which a reconstitution has been requested before June 2 to divide or combine parcels of land into different farm units. These farms will have 30 days after being notified of the completion of the reconstitution to sign the farm into the DCP. There are provisions for late filing of a DCP application between June 2 and September 30, 2003 but a late-filed fee of $100 will be assessed. We have made good progress in getting farms signed up and payments issued so there should be very few farms that are missing signatures.

Jointed Goatgrass is on both the State and County Noxious weed list. It is an increasing species in Kiowa County. CRP fields in some area are showing increasing presence of Goatgrass that need to be controlled. Mowing or chemical control of Goatgrass before seed heads form, are preferred control methods at this time of the year. The wildlife nesting period continues through July 15 but NRCS and the County Committee may approve spot treatment for weeds if the undesirable species would adversely impact the cover. Treatment is limited to the affected areas. Contact the NRCS Office to discuss needed control. CRP participants are responsible for cover maintenance for the duration of the contract. Failure to maintain CRP cover, which includes control of all noxious weeds, can result in payment reductions or even contract termination. Periodic mowing of weeds for cosmetic purposes is prohibited at all times.

Beginning in next week's UPDATE column, we will change the Loan Deficiency Payment (LDP) and loan rates to the 2003 figures. May 31 is the final date to request a 2002 crop year loan or LDP for grain sorghum, corn, sunflowers and soybeans. Producers who will be losing "beneficial interest" in the crop after it is delivered to a buyer (ie; grain elevator or feedlot) may want to sign a CCC-709 Field Direct LDP request before harvest. Since there was very little harvest in 2002 due to the drought, we are out of the habit of working with loans, LDP's and warehouse receipts. We will use this column to refresh everybody's memory on loan and LDP issues, so watch over the next few weeks. If you have a question you would like to see us address in the UPDATE column, give the office a call at 719-438-5851 Ext 2 or e-mail Rod at Rod.Johnson@co.usda.gov.